There is
very little mentioned about sizing. It is said that all kinds of ‘block
measurements are taken, from the common to the unusual. Presumably on Gor this
is because some are classed as ‘Exotics’ and therefore chances are some are
bred to have specific features and mutations (like long or pointed ears, for
example). Using the book as reference, it is clear that there are four standard
sizes for the wrist and ankle. Simply a slave is either size one, two, three or
four on her wrist and ankle. While the numbers appear to be separate (a size 3
wristlet is not the same as a size 3 anklet), it is stated that men prefer
women with ‘matching’ wrists and ankles (ie. Both the slaves wrists and ankles
are a size 2).
‘One’ is
considered small, ‘two’ and ‘three’ are most common while ‘four’ is considered
large. Unfortunately only one size is commented on in the book in figures. A
size two anklet has an interior circumference of about 8.8inches (conversion
rounded to one dp) while a size two wristlet has just over 6.2inches inner
circumference.
This
implies (although it is never explicitly stated) that the smallest ‘standard’
slave – by which I would class all non-exotic/non-specifically-bred woman (ie.
All Earth women) – is smaller than these measurements. It is hard to believe
this is possible, but assuming the height of a slave can vary as much as our
own gene pool it stands to reason a shorter, or naturally slimmer, girl could
be fit and healthy with such measurements.
Weight,
also, is not touched upon as much in the earlier books. However as the series
progresses we do get an idea, and then a figure, for the ‘Gorean woman’. Most
slave girls (bar farm or northern girls) are lithe, soft skinned, slim but
curved. Obesity, it is stated, is a luxury of slovenly free women (If someone
could find me that quote, I would be grateful...).
“She was,
in measurements with which those of her background [Earth] would be familiar,
some five feet five inches in height, and something like one hundred and
eighteen pounds in weight.” – Smugglers, Pg. 5
It goes on
to say that this is not special, or unusual. This gives a BMI of about 19 –
which indicates that the Earth standards of ‘normal and healthy’ are roughly
the same as Gorean standards. By Earth standards, an average five foot five
woman should weigh between about 8 stone and 10.5 stone. I would assume, like
Earth standards, body fat percentage is important too. Muscle weighing more
than fat, a ten stone girl would presumably have more muscle, not more muffin.
Brands are
not dependant on size or weight – that is, that every woman with a kef brand,
on Earth that is the lithe 120lb woman AND 600lb “whalejira” should have a one
and a half inch high, half an inch wide kef brand – if they have anything at
all.. But that is a different discussion. (And before anyone comments on my
chosen words – remember; “my blog, my words.” Don’t like it? Find somewhere
else to escape your life – might I suggest the UK TV channels CBBC, or
Challenge? Both are suitably... dumbed down and censored.) The same goes for
the floral Dina and all other Gorean brands – one size fits all.
I wish you well,
Kamira.